INTRODUCTION TO HIVE

Hello Hive Community!
My name is Jessica and I’m new here.

I’m excited to be here! All thanks to @samostically, who motivated, supported and encouraged me, I’m super grateful for the friendships we have built over time.
Also I would like to thank @stayoutoftherz for creating my account and @aliento for the gift of RC to make this post.

MY HOBBIES

I love music, I’m versatile with my music. My favorite artiste is Jon Bellion( I hope I’m not alone). His unique style and the mysteries behind his lyrics never cease to amaze me.
I read books too, I’m not a die hard fan but I love a good story- A favorite read of mine is A BROKEN PEOPLES PLAYLIST by Chimeka Garricks, loved it!.

MY STORY

My chess journey began in the final year of secondary school in 2016. PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Pwc) had just started a school program-“chess4change”. In my school, extra-curricular activities was compulsory - we had a teacher by the name Mrs Aliyu who compelled us with a long koboko to participate in any activity. On a mysterious Tuesday, my friends and I were running from the teacher as usual when we caught sight of the massive crowd in the biology lab. We all ran there and that’s when we heard the word -CHESS- for the first time, all thanks to Mr Paul Boyo who was the coach assigned to us.
Due to the crowd, we couldn’t learn anything that day but by the next week the lab was reduced by at least 80% of the previous population (everyone said it was too difficult) but that was what sparked my interest in the game. With fierce determination, I proceeded to rank among the top 3 in my school. Barely six months after learning the game, I qualified to represent Nigeria (with just a half point ahead of the next female) at the African Youth Chess Championship at Port Elizabeth, South Africa August 2016.

Mr Boyo and I at South Africa
My trip was sponsored by Pwc and my parents at the time. Prior to our departure, Mr Boyo called to encourage me, he said, ‘you’ll definitely meet more advanced players in this tournament but don’t let any loss weigh you down. Take this as a vacation, have fun, make friends and learn’. Oh trust me that advice wasn’t heeded because I was beaten till I cried all through the tournament. On the last day of the tournament I made a firm resolve never to have such catastrophic tournament ever again. I promised myself to be ranked among the best. When I returned to Nigeria, I resumed training almost immediately and became fiercely consistent, which remarkably improved my playing style.

In 2019, I became the highest rated female player in Nigeria and dominated that position for way over 27 months (2years+). In December 2020, I received an award from The John Fawole Awards for being The best junior chess player(female).

My painful experience at South Africa became the driving force I needed to dominate.
Chess has paved ways for me beyond my imagination, getting to connect with amazing people all over the world, especially the Nigerian Chess Community which has formed an integral part of my life's association.
I am glad I didn't give up so easily.

@tenny-triggah and I

ASIDES CHESS?

Asides the world of the 64 alternating squares, I am a Baker and Tech savvy certified female.
I started learning how to bake 9 months ago and it has been a surreal experience. From having the best peers to attending weddings almost every Saturday i have mastered the art. Here are some of my works so far.

A year and a half ago I got my certificate after completing a mentorship program in UI/UX by Trail Alley.
This is an achievement I’m super proud of because I had a lot of obstacles and I overcame them.

IN CONCLUSION

I believe I have a lot to learn here, I look forward to it! I look forward to interesting conversations with you all.